Game of the Year Awards 2020

"The 2020 Microsoft Flight Simulator is an impressive technical achievement. The flexible gameplay mechanics allow players of all skills levels to explore and learn. It offers an incredible world to explore - and one that succeeds at feeling truly alive, with its live players, AI planes, airports, time of day, and weather. It's an incredibly flexible game - from tweaking the controls assists to adjusting how much data you want to stream, and what the weather and time of day looks like when you take off." - Alex V

Runners-up: Crusader Kings 3, Gears Tactics, LUNA The Shadow Dust

"Ghost of Tsushima offers a well-designed open world that combines great combat with enticing exploration. The excellent art style brings this unique historical setting to life, and smart design choices help the game overcome its minor flaws. Featuring an authentic setting, exciting combat and great art style, Ghost of Tsushima is a strong exclusive title that brings Sucker Punch back into the spotlight." - Alex V

Runners-up: The Last of Us Part II, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Final Fantasy VII Remake

"Stunning visuals and brilliant music is just the first course in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Musical score is excellent with great emotional connection to the story. With its large world, lavish combat, and a smooth implementation of the metroidvania design, this sequel is a must-play for fans of the original, and highly recommended for everybody else." - Ben Thomas

Runners-up: Tell Me Why, Call of the Sea, Tetris Effect: Connected

"Hades plays so tightly and paces out the progression of each run so intelligently, it's an absolute delight. The design of the dungeons, the way the sections of the game change to challenge you in different ways, the way you debate between short-term advantages and long-term goals - it's a brilliant mix of game design and refined gameplay." - Josh Hinke

Runners-up: Paradise Killer, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, I Am Dead

"Although their PS4 title Infamous: Second Son was a launch game many years ago, the developers are now back to close out the console's lifecycle with a new IP. Ghost of Tsushima is a great title for anyone looking to get immersed in a unique setting, with great combat and a well-designed open world. This ancient era of Japan is absolutely incredible to look at and so easy to become immersed in." - Alex V

Runners-up: Hades, Star Wars: Squadrons, Tell Me Why

"The new 2D platformer from Moon Studios does successfully execute the mantra championed by Epic many years ago - "bigger, better, and more badass". It's a sequel that takes the original formula and does everything better, from combat to exploring. Compared to the original, the world is certainly larger, the extra combat makes it livelier, and the beautiful varied art and musical score make it more luscious." - Ben Thomas

Runners-up: Crusader Kings 3, Desperados 3, WRC 9

"Manifold Garden isn’t kind to the puzzle illiterate. It’s trippy, unforgiving, and its infinitely looping nature leads to a world that feels enormous despite being mostly an illusion. Who would have thought it’d be unnerving teetering on the edge of infinity? The abstract environment adopts the colour you are currently dealing with to help the player a little bit, but besides that, Manifold Garden whisks you away on a mind-boggling puzzle journey that refuses to hold your hand." - Dylan Blereau

Runners-up: Carrion, Fuser, Creaks

"Because we get two perspectives, the game actually is able to simply re-use the same locations; though that's not to suggest it's done for the sake of stretching out the content. The sections of levels are still pretty distinctly split up, featuring entrances and exits beyond which enemies will not pursue. Some sections are free of foes, while others have them spawn in as you progress. But even as you continue on and the levels become linear, there is still often a ton of side buildings and abandoned shop fronts to bash the windows in. Levels are quite sizable and if you want to explore thoroughly, it definitely takes a while; it's impressive to see the many different ways to traverse an area." - Alex V

Runners-up: Ghost of Tsushima, Hades, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

"The multiplayer is a flood of hyperactivity. The changes from last year’s slower game are subtle but important. With good foot speed, rapid and generous mantling, the online combat takes on a frantic arcade style. Weapon handling is good across most types and they all feel considerably better after equipping a few attachments. Most of the multiplayer maps feature intricate ground detail and some of their art style is stunning, like the Miami night map. The co-operative zombie mode is enticing with its many activities and good map structure." - Ben Thomas

Runners-up: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, Star Wars: Squadrons, Call of Duty Warzone

"There will be plenty of action, whether it's in story-mandated encounters or just by roaming the open world, and the combat in the game is quite gratifying. When not dealing with enemies, be it through stealth or combat, players can explore a good sized open world. For each enemy type, Jin has a combat stance that is the most effective. It doesn't alter your moves or prompts much, but Jin visibly changes his style and attacks, letting you deliver damage to the enemy of a certain type. This adds a dynamic aspect to the combat, as you must often switch stances multiple times in a single battle depending on the enemy you're facing. It all combines to make for some really enjoyable gameplay." - Alex V

Runners-up: Doom Eternal, The Last of Us Part II, Hades